Question

Am I the only parent not sending their 3 year old to preschool?

Share

I feel that kids have too much structured time these days. I can teach my child the same things that he will learn in preschool and we do many group activities already. But I am starting to have second thoughts about not sending him to preschool because everyone else we know is sending their child. Will he be behind other kids if we wait a year to send him to preschool?

Mom Answers

Is it just me or do the anti preschool types sometimes come off a bit holier than thou? You do what is right for you and your family. Don't worry if others are doing the same or different. No matter what, all of our kids will grow up to be functioning members of society.

I really don't like that people say it's wrong for a toddler to go to pre-school. Sometimes it's a necessity if both parents have to work. My son has been going to pre-school since he was 2 full time (yes, he goes 5 days a week, full days) and he absolutely loves it. These days include 2 hours of outdoor playtime, arts, activities, yoga, music once a week, lunchtime, and a 2 - 3 hour nap. He has a ton of friends, he's very sociable, knows how to share and communicates extraordinarily well, and just is overall a very nice happy little boy. Kids like routine, they like being with other children, and they like learning new things. His first day of "school" he will be able to focus on education since he has already learned how to behave in society and get along with other kids. Good for all of you that can stay home with your kids. But remember there are positives to both scenarios.

My 3 year old is not in preschool because we are going to home school our children. I have always been careful to make sure we have plenty of opportunities to socialize. We do two structured activities a week (a sport - right now Karate and then story time). We also have plenty of play dates/days we go to the park, and field trips. My dd is super outgoing and loves playing with other kids - you have to keep in mind how new the concept of preschool really is, for a long time everyone did just fine without it. I don't think she is behind in any way - and my cousin who is a preschool teacher/day care provider agrees. She can count to 20, say her ABC's and knows her shapes and colors. You just have to do what you feel is best for your child and don't budge on your priorities. Having them at home is a lot of extra work - you have to make it your job, but it is so rewarding.

No....you are not the only parent not sending your 3 year old to "preschool". Preschool is not manditory, maybe some parents feel they need it for their children, as a break from them or for social development. There are many programs, playgroups, reading times, mom's clubs and activites where you and your child can be involved in to help with the social development.
My daughter is 3 1/2, I have felt "peer pressured" to put her preschool for 2 years, but honestly.....I put my career on hold to be a mom. These years are a few PRECIOUS years that we are given to teach, love and help our kids learn. For me personally, I didn't want these "formative years" to be formed by other peoples VALUES and MORALS.
Be encouraged, your little boy is lucky to have a mommy so concerned with is well being! :-)

no your not. where i live pre-school is a 2 year thing. my daughter didn't go her 3 year old year. a lot of parents don't think there children are ready. As long as you teach them some things as you go. simple things let them help you set the table and have them count how many plates they setting down, or have them pick up their own room. when my 1st daughter went to pre-k they worked on learning their phone # and address and being able to recognize their name.

My personal opinion is that 3 years old is too young for preschool. Have you heard the song "Let Them Be Little"? ! With my daughters I sent them to preschool a year before they started kindergarten and plan to do that with my son. I might even do my own preschooling with my son because there aren't very many preschools around. The activity books that you can buy with letters, numbers, pictures etc. work just as good as any school text book.

to My Heart_421-- socialization and developing social structure are really the two most important things about pre-school. Although academics come into play, they are the one componant that can be worked on outside of school. I am not sending my 3 year old daughter to preschool yet because she is in a daycare setting that we love. She has a group of similar aged children that she socializes with and has a routine that is followed everyday. Go with your gut, but don't rule out a preschool until you visit it. Most teachers are trained in early childhood education and nurture children as individuals.

Wow its so funny that i came upon this post because my daughter just turned three I'm thinking about putting her in preschool in September but she stays home with my mother while im at work my mother used to work in a school for disabled children even though my daughter is not disabled she still teaches her many things and my daughter just speaks so clearly im still debating with myself about this one because i think shes ready but i don't want to put her in an environment where she could be overlooked were starting gymnastics this months i guess ill just see how she does in that.

My son "graduates" from 4 yr preschool next week. He didn't attend at 3 yrs because he just wasn't ready, but by the time he was 4 we saw that he was socially behind. He knew everything required for kindergarten before he started (numbers, letters, etc.) but socially he was extremely shy and clingy. I truly don't believe children this young can or should be put in a traditional classroom 5 days a week and thrive. But the program he's in is 6 hrs three days a week with swim lessons and other physical activities. He's like a totally different child! I can't say how great the program is, and after looking over the kindergarten curriculum he's ahead in most of the areas. I'd say preschool is definitely a personal choice for the family and depends on each individual child. What other parents are doing isn't as important as the needs of your child.

My daughter goes to a VERY SMALL pre-k at a local church. She needed the additional structure because she does not get to go to Kindergarten until she is 5.5 - she started at 3.5 with two other boys at her daycare. She LOVES it sooo much I would not trade that experience for her for anything.
But, I work outside the home - so my situation is different.

This Internet site provides information of a general nature and is designed for educational purposes only. If you have any concerns about your own health or the health of your child, you should always consult with a physician or other healthcare professional. Please review the Terms of Use before using this site. Your use of the site indicates your agreement to be bound by the Terms of Use.

This site is published by BabyCenter, L.L.C., which is responsible for its contents as further described and qualified in the Terms of Use.